MIDDLEBORO — The very sweet couple who return annually to the Sea Shadows Inn on the California coast are both peculiar and engaging. I found Benjamin Slade's charming, provocative and occasionally startling play, "Same Time, Next Year" being performed at the Alley Theatre in Middleboro, an enjoyable reason to get off Cape. This classic play serves as the opener for Nemasket River Productions' 15th anniversary season and will continue for two more weekends (this Saturday and Sunday and May 16,17, 8 p.m).

Boston-based actor Christopher Gates plays George (a New Jersey CPA) and winningly displays his every neurosis in the manner of a Woody Allen protagonist — we witness unbridled lust countered unmercifully by all-encompassing guilt. NPR newcomer Marla Jane Caram manifests the delightful and whimsical innocence of a "nice Catholic girl" (Doris) with consummate skill. Though young in years, Marla Jane creates a believable character growing and aging gracefully and on occasion forcefully through two decades. Together they captivate the audience and make us share in their sorrows and joys.

Due to happenstance, happily married George and Doris intimately share one weekend per year from 1951 through 1975. As the years pass, we slowly come to know two more characters vital to the play, but who never actually appear on stage — the spouses; and we like them as well.

The transitions from era to era is skillfully managed by light and sound designer Grant Waterman (whose son Nick seamlessly runs the light board) with music ranging from the velvety voice of Nat King Cole to the youthful and revolutionary sound of the Beatles. Kudos also to the artful costuming of Mary Anne Spence depicting the styles of a changing America and special recognition to Jeanne Costello, whose wigs add so much to Marla Jane's transitions. Finally adding to the quality of the performance is the stellar setting by set designer, decor master, and master quilter Max Verga.

Opening night was especially festive with complimentary wine and appetizers, adding to the ambience before the opening scene. Then, ultimately as the actors came out for their stage bow, they were greeted by a standing, applauding audience. Veteran play director Mike Pevzner and Producing Artistic Director Merrie Mizaras could only beam with delight.

"If I knew you were comin,' I'd a baked a cake." Huh? What does this venerable old tune have to do with this show? Take in the play this weekend and find out; you won't be disappointed.

(All performances can be combined with the "Dinner and a Show" special, a dinner theatre experience in collaboration with Lorenzo's Italian Restaurant (Rte. 28, Middleboro), 508-947-3000. The three-course meal including a glass of wine, taxes and gratuities is $20 per person. Bring the receipt to the NRP box office before the show and tickets are $15.

For more information about NRP, visit on Facebook, go to the website: www.nemasketriverproductions.com, or call the box office, 866-244-0448, for reservations. Credit card purchases can be made via Brown Paper Tickets through the NRP website.)